The Curious Case of the Karpef

by Rabbi Yehuda Spitz

The title of this article will probably engender much inquisitiveness. What exactly is a karpef? No, it is not a type of French pastry, nor is it referring to the vegetable dipped into saltwater at the Pesach Seder. Rather, it is a term used to refer to an area not designated for human habitation. Before the colloquial “Huh?” is heard, some explanation is in order.

Tale of Three Reshuyos

According to Tosafos, the well-known halacha of not carrying outside on Shabbos is based on the episode in Parshas Beshalach of several people attempting to gather the mun (manna) on Shabbos[1]. The Pasuk states “On the Seventh Day each person should remain where he is and not leave his place”. The main prohibition taught here is to refrain from carrying from one’s house or private enclosed area (known as a Reshus HaYachid) to an area available for the entire Bnei Yisrael in the Desert to traverse (known as a Reshus HaRabbim). Chazal further explain that transporting the item in the reverse order (from Reshus HaRabbim to Reshus HaYachid), or even carrying it 4 Amos (between 6 - 8 feet) in a Reshus HaRabbim itself is prohibited as well.[2]

So, basically, one may carry inside an area that is considered a Reshus HaYachid on Shabbos, while one may not carry in an area that is considered a Reshus HaRabbim. However, in order to be designated a Biblical Reshus HaRabbim, certain specific complex requirements must be met, including: It must be unroofed, meant for public use or thoroughfare, at least 16 amos wide and be used by at least 600,000 residents daily[3].

Any area that does not meet the Torah’s definition of a Reshus HaRabbim, and yet is not enclosed (and therefore not in the category of a ReshusHaYachid), is called a Karmelis. A Karmelis shares the same basic rules of a ReshusHaRabbim, but since the prohibition is only rabbinic in origin, Chazal allowed a more lenient method of ‘enclosing’ it. This method is called an eruv, which in essence turns a Karmelis into a quasi-ReshusHaYachid, and therefore allows carrying throughout on Shabbos.

So…What’s a Karpef?

It is not the author’s intent to get involved in the extremely complex and complicated issues involved in what constitutes a proper eruv[4], but rather to highlight a seldom known related issue: the obscure halacha of a karpef. As mentioned above, a karpef refers to an area not designated for human habitation. The basic halacha is that one may not carry inside of a karpef on Shabbos[5], even though biblicallya karpef is considered a Reshus HaYachid! What many do not know[6] is that its unique halachic status is that if there is a karpef larger than 5,000 square amos[7]- “Yosair M’Beis Sa’asayim” (roughly 10,000 sq. feet) inside of an eruv, it can render the entire eruv invalid[8]!

If so, we must properly identify a karpef, as its definition can greatly impact the validity of many an eruv, since every city has non-residential areas. The Gemara, as well as the Shulchan Aruch, discuss it as place where it’s “nizra ruvo hazra’im”, mostly full of plants and shrubbery - meaning not a place that people ordinarily would traverse or where they would live[9].

Gardens & Parks

Although this ruling holds true, many decisors extend the definition of human habitation (and thus make an exception to the above-mentioned rule) to include a use of the area for regular human needs. For example, many authorities maintain that a karpef refers exclusively to a vegetable garden or possibly a place that is overgrown with plants and weeds, which is why people would have no reason to go there. On the other hand they aver, public parks and gardens, which are purposely planted for people’s pleasure and enjoyment[10][11], would not fall under this category, as they are similar to orchards[12], and would not invalidate an eruv.

Additionally, since public parks are purposely created by a non-Jewish government, it would not fall into the category of a karpef that can be mevattel an eruv, since our intent is subject to the government’s[13]. Yet, several others do not agree with this explanation and rule stringently, that even a flower garden would be included in the definition of a karpef[14]. The halacha seems to follow the majority (lenient) opinion, as it is based on a Meiri that the machmirim had not known about[15].

Cemeteries, Zoos and Empty Expanses

The Chazon Ish[16] maintains that an empty expanse of land (perhaps a construction site) has the same applicable halacha of a karpef since it currently has no residential use and consequently can also invalidate an eruv. Yet, it appears that this is a novel approach, as it does not appear in earlier halachic literature[17].

A more common issue is how to classify a cemetery. Although some seem hesitant to “zone it” as such, nevertheless, since many come to a cemetery to daven on specific days (Tisha B’Av, certain Arvei Rosh Chodesh, Yahrtzeits, etc.), the prevailing opinion is to consider it a residential area[18], and not a karpef.

Similarly, since many visitors come to a zoo on a regular basis, it has the status of a residential area and would not invalidate an eruv[19]. Other interesting places that one might not think are considered residential, yet are considered so from a halachic standpoint, include a shuk[20](open air marketplace), a prison courtyard[21], and an airfield tarmac (runway)[22]; all of which are not considered karpifiyos, and do not invalidate an eruv.

The Dvar Shmuel’s Approach

The most commonly cited and controversial approach to the halachos of karpef is that of the great Rav Shmuel Abuhav. In his responsa, Shu”t Dvar Shmuel[23], he raises an interesting point and an exception. He maintains that in an enclosed city (Ir Mukefes Choma), even one with a karpef inside larger than 5,000 amos, the eruv is still valid. He explains that the reason a karpef normally invalidates an eruv is because an eruv only helps for places of human habitation and a karpef is not suitable for such. Yet, if the whole city is enclosed, it shows that the whole city is meant for habitation, including the karpef; for if it wasn’t, the city founders would never have enclosed it. In other words, the karpef becomes cancelled out by the city itself!

Many authorities, although several not agreeing with his proofs, nevertheless follow his lenient ruling; chief among them the famed Chacham Tzvi and his son, Rav Yaakov Emden[24]. A number of other poskim, however, vehemently disagree and maintain that such a karpef would invalidate an eruv, even in an enclosed city[25]. Some decisors rule that one may only rely on this hetter under extenuating circumstances[26]. The Mishna Berura and the Chazon Ish[27] maintain that one should not rely on this leniency; rather one should erect an eruv around this karpef, thereby excluding it from the rest of the city-wide eruv, and as a result sparing the city eruv from any karpef related consequence.

Bottom Line

Many contemporary authorities do take the Dvar Shmuel’s rationale into account as an additional factor to permit an eruv to exist, even with a karpef in its midst[28]. It is well known that many cities with a large concentration of observant Jewry in generations past traditionally relied upon the Dvar Shmuel’s approach[29] in construction of their Eruvin, including Yerushalayim in the days of the Aderes, Warsaw in its heyday, and Vilna in the days of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski zt”l. So, what does your city do? Which opinions does your city’s Eruv follow? One should speak to his Rav and/or Eruv Vaad to find out.

However, as stated before, this article was not meant to give a definitive ruling on the complexities of the karpef. Rather, its purpose is to highlight a small aspect of the extremely intricate and complicated issues involved in the construction of an eruv, and to give the reader an appreciation of those Rabbonim who erect and check the eruv weekly in rain, sleet, or hail, just to save their fellow Jews from potential Chillul Shabbos[30].

This article was written in appreciation to and in honor of my father, Rabbi Manish Spitz, who has for decades tirelessly worked and continues to do so, to ensure that a proper eruv is up to save the rabbim from nichshal, and was the impetus for my interest and research in this inyan, l’iluy nishmas the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Chonoh Menachem Mendel ben Yechezkel Shraga and R’ Chaim Baruch Yehuda ben Dovid Tzvi and l’zechus for R’ Yaacov Tzvi ben Rivka and Shira Yaffa bas Rochel Miriam v’chol yotzei chalatzeha for a yeshua teikif umiyad. Thanks are also due to noted author and posek Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff for graciously allowing me to paraphrase part of his relevant article “Carrying in Public and the Use of an Eruv”.

For any questions, comments or for the full Mareh Mekomos / sources, please email the author: yspitz@ohr.edu.

[2] Gemara Shabbos (2a, 96b) and Tosafos ad loc; Eruvin 17b and Tosafos ad loc. Much of this explanation is paraphrased from Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff’s excellent article “Carrying in Public and the Use of an Eruv”.

[3] Gemara Shabbos 5a, 6a, 99a, Eruvin 59a and Rashi’s commentary ad loc. Some say this means that there are 600,000 residents in the city, even if they do not use said public thoroughfare daily.

[4] Heated disputes over the status of cities’ eruvin are by no means recent phenomena; there are recorded disputes already in the thirteenth century! See Shu”t HaRosh (21, 8) and Rabbi Y. Kaganoff’s article (ibid).

[5] This holds true even though me’doraysa a karpef is considered a Reshus HaYachid! See Gemara Shabbos 7a and Eruvin 67b, as well as Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 346, 3) and Biur Halacha (ad loc. s.v. karpef).

[6] See Taz (O.C. 358, end 5) who states that “many stumble with this halacha”.

[8] See Gemara Eruvin (23b) and Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 358, 9), Taz (ad loc. 5), Mishna Berura (ad loc. 65 & 66) and Kaf Hachaim (ad loc. 74 - 76). See, however, Pri Megadim (O.C. 359, M.Z. end s.v. kasav b’Tur, based on the Rosh - Eruvin Ch. 2, 2) who says that this issue is machmir m’Toras safek and is not considered a vaday issur. See also Shu”t Ha’Elef Lecha Shlomo (O.C. 166) who strongly disagrees. The Mishna Berura (ad loc. 72) explains that the reason that a karpef can be mevattel an entire eruv, unless it is 'walled out' from the rest of it, is that the rest of the eruv that is suitable for use is "pasuach u' parutz l'zra'im shehu makom assur". Since it is wide open to a makom assur it becomes mevattel to it and shares its halachic status, that one may not carry within it.

[9] An additional case of a karpef would be a marsh or bog or similar small body of water more than 10 tefachim deep that is unfit for drinking or washing. See Gemara Eruvin (24a – b), Rambam (Hilchos Eruvin Ch. 16, 6), Rashba (Avodas HaKodesh, 3, 3, 124), Tur and Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 358, 11), Magen Avraham (ad loc. 15), Shulchan Aruch HaRav (ad loc. 19), Aruch Hashulchan (ad loc. 23), and Mishna Berura (ad loc. 84 – 89; Biur Halacha ad loc. s.v. dinam and v'hu; and Shaar Hatziyun 81 & 85). However, the Mishna Berura writes that one ought to consider it a problem even if the water is only three tefachim deep. The Chazon Ish (O.C. 89, 4) is even more stringent, and is of the opinion that even less than three tefachim might be problematic. On the other hand, it must be stated that this type of karpef may not necessarily be mevattel an eruv; if it is 10 tefachim deep within 4 Amos (meaning it does not have a gradual incline) it is considered by many poskim to have its own mechitza (akin to a tel hamislaket), and only carrying through it would be prohibited. There is also a machlokes between the Aruch Hashulchan [ibid.; based on Rashi (24b s.v. chazu & 18a s.v. v'chatzer) Tosafos (ad loc.) and the Ohr Zarua (ad loc. 4), who rules stringently] and Mishna Berura [ibid. 85 & Shaar Hatziyun 81; based on the Rashba (ibid.), Rambam (ibid.), and Ritva (ad loc. s.v. lo amran), who rules leniently] whether a water karpef that is unfit for human drinking, yet suitable for animals or washing clothes, has the status of a karpef or not. Although a body of water meant for bathing would seem halachically more acceptable [as it is considered a basic human need - see Mishna (Nedarim 79a) that withholding from bathing is considered ‘inuy nefesh’, and the Torah Temima (Parshas Masei, Ch. 35, verse 2, 1) explains that certainly bathing is considered a basic human need, and is indeed more of a priority than washing clothes (which the Gemara Nedarim 81a explicitly mentions is considered as such). Nevertheless, the Minchas Yitzchak (Shu”t vol. 6, 32) rules that one may not use an outdoor swimming pool as a men’s mikvah on Shabbos, as it maintains a quasi-karpef status. [It is important to note that the issue he was addressing was exclusively dealing with entering the swimming pool / karpef on Shabbos, and due to various reasons rules stringently. He does not entertain the possibility that this swimming pool can actually be mevattel an eruv.] However, see Shu”t Videbarta Bam (119) who cites the Mishna Berura’s being makpid (Biur Halacha 358, 1 s.v. dirah quoting the Rashba and Ritva) that the use of a makom dirah must be constant and not only intermittently, to classify most bodies of water within an Eruv as true karpifiyos whichcanbemevattel anEruv, as a sometime use of water skis or jet skis would not be sufficient to exclude it from being classified as a karpef. Additionally, from the Shaar HaTziyun’s (ad loc. 16) reticence in accepting the hetter of tiyul by a land karpef, and no mention of such a hetter by a water karpef, he quotes Rav Dovid Feinstein as being choshesh to lechatchilla ‘wall out’ all such potential water karpifiyos.

[11] There is however, a middle ground. See the Teshuva B'Din Karfifiyos Shel Zeraim B'chlal from three renowned eruv experts in Yerushalayim – Rav Moshe Berlin, Rav Yaakov Rochman, and Rav Dovid Eisenstein (printed in Kuntress HaEruv Hamehudar B'London ppg. 60 – 65) who are medayek from the words of many poskim, [including Rashi (Eruvin 23b s.v. nizra ruvo), the Maharsham (Daas Torah O.C. 358), the Imrei Yosher (Shu”t vol. 1, 170), and the Shoel U'Meishiv (Shu”t Mahadura Kamma vol. 1, 88, last s.v. v'henei)] that a karpef only has the ability to be mevattel an eruv when it is 'nizra zerai'm' meaning purposefully planted for non-residential purposes; ex. a vegetable garden. The Minchas Yitzchak (Shu”t vol. 5, 108, 3) gives a similar assessment. They conclude that certainly regarding potential karfifiyos that are just outlying overgrown areas we may be metzaref with the Dvar Shmuel's hetter to allow leniency – see footnote 27.

[17] See Nesivos Shabbos (Ch. 13, footnote 41; he points out that the two statements of the Chazon Ish seem to be contradicting each other), Shu”t Kinyan Torah B’Halacha (vol. 1, 107, quoting the Chiddushei HaRim), Shu”t L’Horos Nosson (vol. 10, end 44, postscript s.v. shuv), and Zera Yaakov (1995, pg. 54). Additionally, this shitta of the Chazon Ish would certainly run contrary to those [including the Imrei Yosher, Maharsham, Shoel U’Meishiv, and Minchas Yitzchak (ibid.)] who hold a karpef must be planted with intent to be considered as such (see footnote 11).

[18] This reasoning is that of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l. See Kovetz Teshuvos (vol. 1, 45, who allays the Shevet HaLevi’s concerns). Although Rav Yaakov Blau [zt”l] (Nesivos Shabbos ibid. end s.v. v’nistapakti) is undecided (tzarich iyun) about whether a cemetery can be considered a residential area, and it is rumored that Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l was hesitant to consider it as such. Nevertheless, most poskim do indeed conclude that it is, although their reasoning varies. See Shu”t Dovev Meisharim (vol. 1, 65), Shu”t Machaneh Chaim (vol. 3, Y”D 41), and Shu”t Minchas Chein (vol. 2, O.C. 22).

[19] Although Rav Yaakov Blau [zt”l] (Nesivos Shabbos ibid. end s.v. v’nistapakti) seems undecided whether a zoo is considered a karpef, nonetheless, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l (Kovetz Teshuvos vol. 1, 45, in the brackets) and Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum (Shu”t Minchas Chein vol. 2, O.C. 22), distinguish between the zoos we have nowadays and the animal menageries common at the time of the Noda B’Yehuda (Shu”t Tinyana O.C. 47. Although the Noda B’Yehuda was stringent, he also cites the opinion of the Ohr Chodosh, who was lenient for a different reason, that animals’ homes are considered mukaf l’dira), and conclude that our zoos are not considered a karpef, due to the many visitors, who change the zoo’s status to that of a residential area.

[20] Chazon Ish (O.C. 112, michtav), Nesivos Shabbos (Ch. 12, end footnote 34). This is because nowadays people don’t just come in, purchase items and immediately leave; rather it is common to ‘hang-out’ in the shuk, eating, drinking and overall spending time there.

[21] Aruch Hashulchan (O.C. 358, 6). Although the ‘residents’ are ‘living’ in prison (rent-free!) against their will, nonetheless, since if one is ‘staying’ there more than 3 days he would be obligated to put up a mezuzah (see Chovas HaDar Ch. 3, 8), the halacha is that any place obligated in mezuzah would also be considered a residential area regarding the din of a karpef. (Nesivos Shabbos Ch. 12, end footnote 34).

[22]Psak of the Steipler Gaon (cited in Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 1, pg. 171, 4). Although the author of the sefer, Rav Avraham HaLevi Horvitz, questions how this fits in with the Steipler’s brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish’s psak, see Rav Moishe Dovid Spiro’s Kuntress B’Din Karfifiyos (pg. 3, 3, s.v. sdei), who explains that a runway should not be considered any different than a street that is only meant for cars, and yet is still considered meant for residential use.

[24] Shu”t Chacham Tzvi (59, who does not agree with the Dvar Shmuel’s second proof), Ya’avetz (Mor U’Ketzia O.C. 358 s.v. devarim and ulfa”d, who attempts to answer up his father’s claims on the Dvar Shmuel). Others who rule this way include the Pri Tevuah (Shu”t 9, who says the same sevara but does not quote the Dvar Shmuel by name), Chida (Machzik Bracha ad loc 2), Shu”t Divrei Malkiel (ibid, who although not exactly agreeing, nevertheless adds several other reasons to be lenient; see also Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer vol. 13, 41 as explaining the Divrei Malkiel’s intent on relying on the Dvar Shmuel exclusively if the zera’im were planted first and later a wall erected around the city; however in the reverse case everyone would agree that the newly planted zera’im would mevattel the Eruv), Shu”t Avnei Nezer (O.C. end 298; who qualifies it that one can’t carry through the karpef), Ikrei HaDa”t (O.C. 15, 31), Shu”t Mayim Rabbim (vol. 1, 38), Shulchan Shlomo (brought in Shu”t Mayim Rabbim ibid.), Shu”t Chomer B’Kodesh (2, quoting the Shev Yaakov), Shu”t Zera Emes (vol. 3, 41), Shu”t Maharam Brisk (vol. 1, 24), Daas Torah (O.C. 358, 9), Shu”t Dovev Meisharim (vol. 1, 2). Some say that the Pri Megadim (O.C. 366 E.A. 10) implies this way as well - see Zera Yaakov (1995, pg. 56). See also Yesodei Yeshurun (vol. 5, Ma’areches 39 Melachos pg. 254) and Shaarim Metzuyanim B’Halacha (vol. 2, 83, 6), who seem to cite this as the main shitta. See also Shu”t Yaskil Avdi (vol. 2, Kuntress Acharon O.C. 6) who printed teshuvos from Rav Yaakov Chai Zerihen (the Rav of Teverya and the shoel of the sheilah), and Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer (whose teshuva was printed there as well), as well as himself; all were maskim to rely on the Dvar Shmuel’s hetter l’maaseh.

[25] Including the Beis Meir (O.C. 358, s.v. l’seif), the Korban Nesanel (Eruvin Ch. 2, 4, who argues on the Chacham Tzvi’s logic), the Ma’amar Mordechai (O.C. 358, 14), the Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 358 s.v. aval), and Chazon Ish (O.C. 88, 25 s.v. u’linyan). It is also kenegged the pashut pshat of the Shulchan Aruch, who makes no mention of such a chiddush. It is well known that Rav Shmuel Salant was against relying on the Dvar Shmuel’s hetter (see Aderes Shmuel, Hanhagos U’Psakim Rav Shmuel Salant zt”l, 95, pg. 98) and after the Aderes’s passing ‘walled in’ all problematic karpifiyos inside Yerushalayim. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky as well, was against relying on this shitta (Emes L’Yaakov on Tur and Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 358, footnote 402) being meikel for a city-wide Eruv, and adds that nowadays, when we no longer have a communal oven that everyone needs to get their hot food from and bring it home, it is preferable not to have a city-wide Eruv at all, as it leads to Bittul Torah and other problems. See next several footnotes.

[27] See Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 358 s.v. aval), Chazon Ish (O.C. 88, 25 s.v. u’linyan), Shu”t Shoel U’Meishiv (Mahadura Kamma, vol. 1, 88), Shu”t Beis Shlomo (vol. 1, 51), and Shu”t Ha’Elef Lecha Shlomo (ibid). The Haghos HaAshri (on the Rosh Ch. 2, 2) implies this way as well, as he maintains the hetter has to be ‘kroval’baiso’ and therefore ‘daatoaleha’. The Divrei Chaim (ibid) rejects this hetter entirely, even maintaining that if there already was a protecting wall around the karpef, another one needs to built exclusively to exclude the karpef! Another issue is whether for all these inyanim would we be lenient with “walls” made of Tzuros HaPesach. The Chacham Tzvi, Maharshak, and Maharsham (ibid.) rule that these are considered walls [see Taz (O.C. 401, 2)], while the Divrei Malkiel, Shoel U’Meishiv (who concludes not to rely on telegraph wires to “wall out” a karpef”), Divrei Chaim (ibid.), and the Beis Shlomo (ibid.), among others, maintain that only real walls are considered halachic walls by a karpef. The Even Yikreh (Shu”t vol. 1, O.C. 15; cited in Shu”t L’Horos Nosson vol. 10, 44, 10) writes a related chiddush: that regarding a karpef, having a wall made fromTzuros HaPesach is actually superior to a real wall. He explains that the reason a karpef can invalidate an eruv is because it proves that the area is not meant for habitation. Ergo, a wall around a karpef reinforces this notion, as it seems that it is meant strictly to protect the plants etc. and not a living space. Yet, a ‘wall’ made out ofTzuros HaPesach proves that it is not meant to protect any plants. The Machazeh Avraham (ibid.) and L’Horos Nosson, however, remain skeptical of this chiddush. It is also k’negged the psak of the Shoel U’Meishiv (ibid.) who ruled not to rely on telegraph wires.

[29] It is well known that many cities traditionally relied upon the Dvar Shmuel’s approach, including Yerushalayim in the days of the Aderes (cited in Nesivos Shabbos ad loc.; however, he notes that after the Aderes’s petira, Rav Shmuel Salant ‘walled out’ the problematic karpifiyos, as he did not want to rely on this shitta [for more on this see Aderes Shmuel, Hanhagos U’Psakim Rav Shmuel Salant zt”l, 95, pg. 98]), Warsaw (cited in Shu”t Meoros Nosson 8, 19) and Vilna in the days of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski (cited in Rav Moishe Dovid Spiro’s Kuntress B’Din Karfifiyos, 19*, quoting Rav Yisrael Zev Gustman zt”l; Rav Chaim Ozer zt”l maintained that the lake in the middle of the city was placed there for beauty).

[30] On the importance of this, see Shu”t HaRosh (21, 8), Shu”t Tashbatz (vol. 2, 37, based on Gemara Eruvin 68a), Birkei Yosef (O.C. 363, 2), Shu”t Chasam Sofer (O.C. 99), Shu”t Avnei Nezer (O.C. 266, 4), Shu”t Levushei Mordechai (O.C. 4), Shu”t Igros Moshe (O.C. vol. 1, 139, 5 s.v. v’lchora), Shu”t Chelkas Yaakov (O.C. Pesicha to Hilchos Eruvin), Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer (vol. 19, 17), and Shu”t Mishna Halachos (vol. 11, 311). See also Aruch Hashulchan (O.C. 345, 17 – 18,) whom after citing the various shittos of constructing Eruvin, comments the common practice of constructing community Eruvin as being so near universal, it is “as if a bas kol came down and permitted them”. Even so, and as mentioned previously, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky (Emes L’Yaakov on Tur and Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 358, footnote 402) viewed this a bit differently, and was against building a city-wide Eruv, explaining that nowadays, when we no longer have a communal oven that everyone needs to get their hot food from and bring it home, it is preferable not to have a city-wide Eruv at all, as it leads to Bittul Torah and other problems. For more on the topic of the significance of constructing an eruv, see Rabbi Y. Kaganoff’s above-mentioned article.

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive guide, rather a brief summary to raise awareness of the issues. In any real case one should ask a competent Halachic authority.

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